Inside Joplin: December 2024

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Stella woman cited for DWI following injury accident

A Stella woman was cited for driving while intoxicated (drugs) following a one-vehicle accident 2:43 p.m. Monday on Highway C five miles east of Goodman.

According to Highway Patrol accident and arrest reports, a 2006 Honda Odyssey driven by Christina I. King, 48, Stella, went off the opposite side of the roadway, drove down an embankment and struck a tree.

King, who was also cited for careless and imprudent driving, was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Joplin.

Highway Patrol Arrests December 30-December 31

Stephen R. Lyons, 36, Merriam Woods, felony driving while intoxicated, failed to maintain right half of roadway, no seat belt, driving while revoked

Kenyen M. Keiber, 24, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, attempted escape from custody, property damage, assault on special victim, resisting arrest, speeding, failed to register motor vehicle

Cole T. Scantlin, 34, Conway, felony driving while intoxicated, registration violation, no insurance

La'Lexcieus Crooks, 28, Springfield, Taney County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on no valid plates

Christina I. King, 48, Stella, driving while intoxicated (drugs), careless and imprudent driving

Monday, December 30, 2024

Lamar Police Department Weekly Report

(From the Lamar Police Department)

Department numbers for the week of December 23 – December 29

Dispatched calls – 145
Reports - 8
Car Stops – 8
DWI – 0
Drug/Paraphernalia Seizure – 0
Total Arrests – 0
Ped/Bike/FIC Cards - 5
Zone, Business & Residential Checks - 249

12/23/2024 Officer was dispatched to Tractor Supply for a report of stealing. Investigation continues.

12/26/2024 Officers were dispatched to the area of 11th St & Oak St for an assault that had just occurred. One person was placed under arrest for Domestic Assault 4th and transported to the Barton County Jail.

12/29/2024 Officer was dispatched to the 100 block of E. 13th St for a report of a stolen license plate. Information was taken and plate was entered into NCIC as being stolen.

12/29/2024 Officer was dispatched to Walmart for a theft which had just occurred. Investigation continues.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call 417-682-3546 and speak with Interim Chief Lt. Steve Shaw.

Joplin woman suffers serious injuries in car-motorcycle collision

A Joplin woman was injured in a two-vehicle accident 2:01 p.m. today on Lone Elm at Zora two miles north of Joplin.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by a 16-year-old Carl Junction woman failed to yield to a 2009 Harley Davidson Street Glide driven by a 33-year-old Joplin woman.

The Joplin woman was treated for serious injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

Highway Patrol Arrests December 29-30

Vladyslav Kshevitskyi, 25, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Brittany A. Cole, 37, Joplin, driving while intoxicated- child less than 17 in the vehicle, speeding, failed to register motor vehicle

Erik C. Pinkston, 53, Tucson, Arizona, felony fugitive out of state warrant

Jeffrey M. Scherler, 40, Republic, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no insurance, failed to display valid plates, no seat belt

Newton County Marriage Licenses

Chad Allen Posey, 49, Granby, and Christin Noel Nichols, 30, Granby

Trey Matthew Foster, 26, Washburn, and Madeline Renee Coats, 22, Joplin

Kearra Railey Massey, 22, Neosho, and Tyler Ray Torres, 21, Goodman

Sunday, December 29, 2024

Highway Patrol Arrests December 28-29

Randall S. Ketterman, 54, El Dorado Springs, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia

James W. McNish, 22, Ava, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Hayden F. Lundien, 28, Webb City, driving while intoxicated, speeding, lane violation

Corey J. Marsh, 49, Ozark, driving while intoxicated

Saturday, December 28, 2024

Highway Patrol Arrests December 27-28

Evelyn F. Lopez, 30, Carthage, driving while intoxicated, no seat belt, no insurance, careless and imprudent driving

Kimson Route, 28, Rogers, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no valid license

Bridget C. Reed-Jackson, 52, Springfield, felony driving while intoxicated, lane violation, driving while suspended, no seat belt

Julius J. Woods Ivory, 26, Granby, driving while intoxicated

Collins K. Too, 31, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, consuming alcohol while driving, no valid license, speeding, failed to drive on right half of roadway, stopped on left shoulder

Jordan R. Rozell, 27, Marshfield, felony possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, driving while intoxicated (drugs), no valid license, failed to stop at stop sign

Friday, December 27, 2024

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Kendrick N. Leinwebber vs. Vanessia A. Leinwebber

Sonia Marie Crook vs. Billy Wayne Crook

Blake Lasseigne vs. Rebecca Lasseigne

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

Barry County

Angela Cheri Cole

Jason Robert Voss and Chrystal Renee Voss

Barton County

Elbert C. Julian

Jasper County

Ronald Eugene Riley and Patricia Dawn Riley

Angela Michelle Varner

Newton County

Jacqueline Irene Rooffener

Stone County

Paul James

Highway Patrol Arrests December 26-27

Robert E. Ford, 63, Dallas, Texas, Lafayette County warrant for failure to appear on no insurance

Courtney H. Boysen, 41, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, driving while intoxicated

Jordan J. Ratliff, 32, Shell Knob, felony driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no seat belt

Emily E. Peters, 40, Willard, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Jasper County Marriage Licenses

Clayton Ryan Whitehead, 23, Webb City, and Maegen Raeanna Derfelt, 23, Carl Junction

Henry Chans Parmley, 24, Sarcoxie, and Sydney Taylor Smith, 24, Carl Junction

Jadon Michael Leece, 21, Carthage, and Chasity Lynn Dunn, 22, Carthage

Jason R. Haslip, 43, Joplin, and Karah Joanne Lankford, 30, Joplin

Devon Patrick Hawks, 20, Pittsburg, Kansas, and Jade Ann Gerrish, 20, Pittsburg, Kansas

Richard Craig Hamlet, 54, Marshall, Texas, and Yolanda Marie Patterson, 47, Marshall, Texas

Scott D. Kendall, 60, Carthage, and Todd A. Bower, 63, Carthage

Jerrod Keith Ashton Bivens, 24, Joplin, and Crinis Andrea Logan, 27, Joplin

Alex Jacob Phillippi, 20, Webb City, and Dallas Kirkland, 19, Webb City

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Ramiro De Jesus Cantu Reyes, 23, Joplin, and Clarissa Zurishadai Martinez Cruz, 25, Monterrey

James Lane Bowen, 28, Hartman, Arkansas, and Cheyenne Marie Harper, 28, Baxter Springs, Kansas

Bruce Scott Newton, 63, Joplin, and Vanessa Estelle Wilkins, 63, Katy, Texas

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Highway Patrol Arrests December 24-26

Michele D. Jordan, 29, Strafford, driving while intoxicated

Kirk L. Groves, 26, Republic, felony driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, driving while revoked, no seat belt

Tory J. Davis, 21, Exeter, driving while intoxicated

Courtney L. Ortiz, 28, Urbana, Polk County misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on speeding and no insurance

Highway Patrol reports three traffic fatalities over Christmas holiday counting period

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provides the following preliminary statistics related to the Christmas holiday counting period:

Three people died in traffic crashes during the 30-hour counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

2024 Christmas Holiday Traffic Statistics

Troopers investigated the following:

Traffic Crashes — 65
Traffic Crash Injuries — 38
Traffic Crash Fatalities — 3
DWI — 17

[Note: Last year during the 78-hour Christmas counting period, there were 1,034 traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, three people were killed and another 346 were injured. During the 2023 Christmas holiday, troopers investigated 124 traffic crashes which included 2 fatalities and 71 injuries. Troopers arrested 81 people for driving while impaired during the 2023 counting period.]

There were no boating crashes or drownings over the 2024 Christmas holiday counting period.

The three fatalities occurred on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. A 28-year-old female of Valley Mines, MO, died when the vehicle she driving traveled off the left side of the road and struck a tree. She was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Two male occupants, age four and six, also died in the crash. Both were restrained by a safety device. The crash occurred on Route OO, south of Route F, in St. Francois County.

The driver was pronounced at the scene by the St. Francois County Coroner. The six-year-old male was pronounced at Parkland Health Center in Farmington. The four-year-old male was pronounced at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

There were no traffic fatalities on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

NOTE: The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, if other departments report fatalities after this news release was sent out, or if a fatality is determined to be caused by a medical condition rather than a traffic/boating/drowning incident.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Sarcoxie man killed in head-on collision on 59, other driver cited for DWI

A Sarcoxie man was killed and a Grove, Oklahoma woman cited for felony driving while intoxicated following a 3-vehicle accident 2:50 p.m. today on MO 59 in Fidelity.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Hummer H2 driven by Jennifer L. Maupin, 43, Grove, attempted to pass another vehicle and struck a 2014 Kia Soul driven by Tou Xiong, 37, Sarcoxie, head on.

A 2002 Ford Explorer driven by a 37-year-old Diamond man was damaged attempting to avoid the collision.

Jasper County Coroner James Harrison pronounced Xiong dead at the scene at 3:02 p.m.

Maupin, who was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Joplin, was also cited for careless and imprudent driving.

Highway Patrol Arrests December 23-24

Jennifer L. Maupin, 43, Grove, Oklahoma, felony driving while intoxicated- death of another, careless and imprudent driving causing an accident

Myranda F. Loveday, 24, Springfield, driving while suspended/revoked, no valid plates, no insurance, no seat belt, Springfield Police Department warrant for failure to appear on driving while suspended/revoked

Gary R. Epperson, 31, Galena, Kansas, felony leaving the scene of a crash, driving while intoxicated, no insurance

Monday, December 23, 2024

Neosho city offices closed Tuesday, Wednesday, municipal court canceled

(From the City of Neosho)

In observance of the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day holidays, City offices will be closed Tuesday, December 24 & Wednesday, December 25. We will reopen on Thursday, December 26 at 8:00 AM.

Municipal Court is cancelled on Tuesday, December 24.

Residential trash pickup will be affected by the Christmas Day closure. Wednesday routes will be picked up on Thursday, December 26, Thursday routes will be picked up on Friday, December 27 and Friday routes will be picked up on Saturday, December 28.

If you have questions about your trash pickup day, please visit https://www.republicservices.com/schedule...

Lamar Police Department Weekly Report

(From the Lamar Police Department)

Department numbers for the week of December 16 – December 22

Dispatched calls – 158
Reports - 12
Car Stops – 16
DWI – 0
Drug/Paraphernalia Seizure – 0
Total Arrests – 0
Ped/Bike/FIC Cards - 1
Zone, Business & Residential Checks – 168

12/17/2024 Officer was dispatched to Truman Health Care in reference to a property damage report. Investigation continues.

12/17/2024 Officer issued a summons for registration violation; also advised driver of complaints that have been received about his driving.

12/19/2024 Officer took a report of property damage that occurred on 12/18/2024. Investigation continues.

12/29/2024 Officer took a report of theft at Walmart. Investigation continues.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call 417-682-3546 and speak with Interim Chief Lt. Steve Shaw.

Webb City trash pickup adjusted for holidays

(From the City of Webb City)

Attention City of Webb City Residents:

The regularly scheduled Wednesday trash pick-up will be on Thursday this week. All other scheduled trash pick-ups will run on the regularly scheduled days.

Trash service changed for Carl Junction due to holiday

(From the City of Carl Junction)

Trash service for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday will be delayed by one day to allow Republic Services drivers and staff to celebrate Christmas with their families.

Tuesday routes will run as scheduled.

Joplin Police Department Weekly Activity Report

Highway Patrol Arrests December 22-23

Exzavion M. Perkins, 22, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no head lights, no taillights

Jennifer H. Lane, 31, Walnut Shade, felony leaving the scene of a crash, driving while intoxicated

Carthage native is new Jasper County conservation agent

(From Missouri Department of Conservation)

When Carthage native Austin Musche begins his duties as Jasper County Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Agent, Jasper County will be patrolled by two conservation agents who are very familiar with the county.

Starting Jan. 1, Musche will begin his duties as conservation agent for Jasper County. He will work alongside fellow Jasper County Conservation Agent – and fellow Jasper County native – Tyler Green, who grew up in Webb City.

Musche’s new MDC assignment is an opportunity for him to come home. He is a graduate of Carthage High School and Missouri Southern State University. (Green is also a graduate of Missouri Southern.)

“I am excited to be working in Jasper County because it was the place I called home for 22 years of my life,” Musche said. “Hunting, fishing, and trapping in this area for practically my whole life has led me to know the area very well. I already have some great relationships with landowners in the area.”

Prior to his current job, Musche was the conservation agent in Grundy County.

Both Musche and Green will work out of their homes. Musche can be reached at 417-763-5106 and Green can be reached at 417-385-8224. People are reminded that game law violations can also be reported to the Operation Game Thief Hotline, 1-800-392-1111.

Newton County Marriage Licenses

Tony Joe Ayres, 33, Neosho, and Tegan Rose Roller, 24, Neosho

Jaden Zane Spencer, 22, Granby, and Savannah Renee Bruner, 24, Neosho

Emwel Martin, 42, Neosho, and Kiristina Taylor, 42, Neosho

Cory Michael Duvall, 42, Neosho, and Cheryl Renee Ford, 74, Neosho

David Edward Tiffany, 77, Neosho, and Joyce Tulip Saunders, 75, Neosho

Larry Wayne Miller, 73, Rocky Comfort, and Jo Cheryl Miller, 67, Rocky Comfort

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Jasper Co. Sheriff releases name of deceased man found at 800 block of W. Fountain Road and North Upward Lane

(From the Jasper County Sheriff's Office)

On December 22, 2024, Jasper County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a report of a deceased individual near the intersection of the 800 block of West Fountain Road and North Upward Lane.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered 31-year-old Jacob Urban of Wichita, Kansas. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by law enforcement and medical personnel, Mr. Urban was pronounced dead at the scene. The next of kin has been notified.

Jasper County Detectives have initiated an investigation, which remains ongoing.

At this time, there is no apparent threat to the public and foul play is not suspected. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.

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Jasper County Marriage Licenses

Zane Allen Malone, 20, Grove, Oklahoma, and Kassidy Rose Perkins, 21, Carl Junction

Ernest Dow Whisman, 55, Carthage, and Christine Dayle Michael, 47, Carthage

Drew Hayden Casey, 42, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Jacqueline Darlene Craine, 53, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Timothy Adrian Thomas, 24, Carthage, and Ashton Condie Steele, 24, Carthage

Austin James Harrison, 35, Joplin, and Star Marie Morrison, 34, Joplin

Gavin Edward Foveaux, 20, Joplin, and Grace Elizabeth Lohman, 21, Enid, Oklahoma

Eric Juwan Martin, Sr., 40, Joplin, and Melissa Colleen McAfee, 48, Joplin

Darrell Gene King, 66, Carl Junction, and Doris Jean Fry, 64, Joplin

Ryan Michael Anderson, 30, Pittsburg, Kansas, and Jaclyn Faye Lee Jenkins, 30, Pittsburg, Kansas

Billy Duane Henson, Jr., 37, Oronogo, and Amanda Sue Henry, 35, Oronogo

Fernando Valdez Perez, 51, Carl Junction, and Raquel Morales Valles, 33, Carl Junction

Cole Alexander Mitchell, 25, Carterville, and Bethany Erin Rucker, 24, Carterville

Eligio Rosendo Mendez Morales, 39, Joplin, and Patricia Rose Ballard, 31, Joplin

Chance Lee Hamilton, 25, Joplin, and Kimberly Nichole Davis, 26, Joplin

Oscar Eduardo Lopez Escobar, 25, Joplin, and Lesli Mercedes Cortez Ramos, 20, Carthage

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Elias Aaron Bull, 19, Joplin, and Alliyz Eden Owings, 21, Neosho

Stetcyn Blaine Cornelius 24, Joplin, and Makayla Marie Wolford, 23, Joplin

Curtis Paul Humphreys, 20, Sarcoxie, and Bethany Sue Bloss, 26, Sarcoxie

Jason Tyler Bruey, 32, Joplin, and Mickey Brie Alice Mileo, 30, Oronogo

Dony Amisael Hernandez Flores, 28, Carthage, and Tiffany Claire Suseth Lopez Castanon, 26, Carthage

Jorge Luis Medina Zepeda, 28, Carthage, and Diona Jeanne Thomason, 24, Carthage

Jorge Antonio Hernandez Morales, 25, Carthage, and Valeska Yadira Carrillo Santos, 22, Carthage

Camden Allan Lazure, 22, Carl Junction, and Ashley Nicole Tyler, 31, Carl Junction

Brycen Ray Cartwright, 25, Joplin, and Eliza Jade Maxwell, 22, Joplin

Sheldon John Oliver, 68, Goodman, and Robin Ann Chambers Lester, 71, Roundhill, Kentucky

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Thomas James LeGrand, 44, Columbus, Kansas, and Diandra Shauntel Stanley, 30, Columbus, Kansas

Tyler Sutton Alarid, 24, Iola, Kansas, and Ally Claire Ellis, 21, Iola, Kansas

Garrett Michael Hill, 25, Rich Hill, and Sarah Elizabeth Williams, 22, Rich Hill

Wyatt Phillip Mitchell, 26, Conway, and Lindsey Shay Varner, 27, Joplin

Chad David Stennum, 28, Joplin, and Abbie Dawn Frossard, 21, Joplin

Brandon Loren Weaver, 49, Carthage, and Bethany Kate Jeffries, 36, Carthage

Christian Anthony Long, 25, Carthage, and D'Anna Jeanette Bunn, 24, Carthage

Newsmakers program focuses on history of television at MSSU

(From KGCS)

In 1984, a summer class of 8 students created the first ever programming for Missouri Southern State College’s new television station – MSTV. Now named KGCS-TV, the station celebrated its 40th anniversary honoring outstanding alumni who worked at the station that first year in tandem with the Regional Media Hall of Fame induction of former general manager Judy Stiles and former Chart adviser Chad Stebbins. This week’s Newsmakers features documentary tributes to the founders of the station.

Stiles looks back at a few of the hundreds of interviews she conducted for Newsmakers during her three decades working at MSSU. Members of the summer class of 1984 included Daphne Massa and MO State Rep. Dave Griffith. Joplin Public Information Officer Lynn Onstot and VYPE Magazine founder Mike Cooper were honored as Outstanding Alumni and contributed to the technical and content production during the station’s early days.

Newsmakers is airing nightly at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. the week of December 29 on KGCS-TV and will air at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, January 4 on KOAM-TV. It is also posted on the station’s YouTube channel: KGCS - Missouri Southern State University.

KGCS programming can be seen on channel 21 and is also available on regional cable television systems such as Sparklight, Mediacom and Optimum Internet in Carthage. The station operates as a service of the Department of Communication at Missouri Southern State University.

Joplin Recycling Center offers options for discarded Christmas trees

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin will have three collection points for discarded, natural (live) Christmas trees starting December 26 and continuing through January 31. Citizens should bring their tree, completely stripped of all decorations, and place it near the “Christmas Tree Drop-Off” sign posted at one of the following locations:

-Humphrey Park on Utica Street in the Royal Heights area;

-McIndoe Park at Glendale Road and Jackson Avenue – place trees in the southwest corner of the parking lot; and

Public Works Center at 1301 West 2nd Street.

People are welcome to pick up the discarded trees at these locations for use in establishing fish habitats. City staff will take the remaining trees to the City’s processing site to be chipped.

When discarding other holiday items, please remember Joplin Recycling Center accepts many of these items, including gift wrapping (no metallic paper), paper boxes, bottles, cans, greeting cards, and cooking oil. The Center also accepts discarded Christmas lights.

The Center is located at 1310 West A Street. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 6 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Recycling Center will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Center is always closed on Sundays and Mondays. For more information, call 417-624-0820, ext. 1501.

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Highway Patrol Arrests December 21-22

Bobby W. Butler, 27, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to stop at stop line

Candy M. Huynh, 37, Monett, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Halim Abdulai, 39, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to register motor vehicle

Tammy S. Jones, 65, Pittsburg, driving while intoxicated

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Highway Patrol Arrests December 20-21

Mason L. Elder, 21, Crane, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Samuel J. Gordon, 32, Seymour, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Corie R. Holloway, 35, Cassville, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, failed to place vehicle not in motion as far to the right as practicable, no valid plates, no insurance

Friday, December 20, 2024

Newton County Commission approves first stage of broadband plan

(From the Newton County Commission)

The Newton County Commissioners are pleased to announce that they have voted to approve an agreement with ALLO Communications to partner with the County to implement the first stage of a broadband deployment plan to provide important and needed Internet connectivity to the unserved and under-served areas of rural Newton County.

This agreement, leveraging the remaining federal ARPA grant funds that the County previously received, will finance the construction of a 'middle-mile' backbone fiber line across the County that will be completed over the next two years.

This fiber will then provide the infrastructure for ALLO and potentially other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to connect to and build-from it to provide 'fiber to home' service for Newton County residents. The agreement with ALLO, providing $6.9 million in ARPA grant funding, will also support the development of up to nine (9) flash-flood sensor alert locations across the County that will be connected to the backbone fiber line, providing significant public safety enhancement for County residents.

The County Commissioners also approved a second ARPA-funded agreement with the Area Agency on Aging, totaling $25,000 in APRA funding, to provide digital skills training for County residents, offering it first to the County's senior population.

"During this broadband development planning process, following significant stakeholder outreach, we heard from County residents loud-and-clear that they needed better Internet connectivity, as soon as practically possible, with the opportunity to allow competition in providing service. We also heard from the surveys and one-on-one meetings that enhancing public safety and providing assistance to support greater adoption of connectivity was important. This agreement between the County and ALLO addresses all those requests, within the ARPA funding limitations of the County", remarked Alan Cook, retiring County Commissioner.

"The Commission looks forward to working with ALLO in the construction of this middle-mile, backbone fiber infrastructure in Newton County, to be completed by the end of 2026. By taking this broadband planning approach with ALLO, the County has guaranteed that our ARPA funds will be used to lay the foundation for improved internet connectivity for the County. ALLO, and potentially other interested ISPs, can then make application for federal BEAD grant funding to provide fiber to home service for our county residents. We are especially pleased that this fiber infrastructure touches all the unserved rural areas of the County, which were identified during the planning process", commented Presiding Commissioner Daniel Swem.

Details regarding the County's connectivity deployment plan, as well as the Area Agency on Aging training program, will be posted on the County website soon. In the meantime, County residents can view the County's broadband study that provided the foundation for the planning for the Commissioners' decisions to support improved connectivity infrastructure for the County at the following website:

https://www.newtoncountymo.com/uploads/1/1/0/3/11036008/newton_county_mo_broadband_feasibility_study_summary_document_03-14-2024.pdf

Newton County Remains committed to developing a more connected, sustainable, and equitable community. The County Commissioners look forward to working with ALLO and other interested partners to achieve the important goal of a more connected Newton County.

Badge pinning ceremony held for new Joplin police officers

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, the Joplin Police Department held a badge pinning ceremony to recognize the completion of training for new officers as well as recently promoted officers to supervisory roles within the department.

Those recognized during the event included Officer Ethan Adel, Officer Zackery Burns, Officer Jacob Hibbard, Officer Alex Hopper, Officer Preston Larkin, Officer Taylor Peterson, Corporal Levi Winstead, Corporal Hayden Hinkle, and Sergeant Mackenzie Roach.

The culmination of training and advancement by officers at the Joplin Police Department is something that is earned and not given. For a new officer, this includes over 600 hours of training at a state certified law enforcement academy, followed by an additional 9 weeks of advanced instruction at the Joplin P.D. In-House training academy, which is then followed by a 16-week hands on field training program.

For those who are being promoted, they have successfully navigated a promotional process that includes an thorough candidate qualification review, extensive written examination, a rigorous assessment center consisting of multiple scenario-based evaluations, a peer review process, and a command staff oral board interview.

So, as you can see, the honor of wearing a Joplin badge is something that is earned and is not given. As an agency, we recognize this accomplishment through a badge pinning ceremony where officers are given specific and individual recognition, presented their newly earned badge, and afforded the opportunity to have it pinned on their uniform by a spouse, friend, family member, or other loved one.

Additionally, our department chaplains also provide a great service to our officers as they pray over them and bestow each with a custom gift to help guide them through their careers. The ceremony culminates as each officer takes their official oath of office as they raise their right hand and swear to fulfill the duties of the position they’ve worked so hard to earn.

Please join us in congratulating these officers and supervisors on their achievements. We know they will be great representatives of the Joplin Police Department as they go out and serve our community.